Share this article

Dobson relishing Jones’ arrival

The Stormers are gearing up for the imminent arrival of their new head coach Eddie Jones who will begin his preparations for the team's Super Rugby campaign on Monday.

Jones takes over as the Stormers' boss after guiding Japan to three victories at the Rugby World Cup, although they missed out on a quarter-final spot at the global showpiece.

Western Province coach John Dobson is relishing the opportunity to work under Jones and is already doing some legwork for the former Brumbies and Wallabies boss before he meets the Stormers players.

“We’ll be one big squad over pre-season, so I’ll fall in under him," Dobson told IOL Sport.

"I’ve got to do pretty extensive player reports and assessments to give him the most information possible.

“And then next year, I’ll carry on with Currie Cup. The Currie Cup, the first round will be very similar to the old Vodacom Cup, and then the main Currie Cup that we’re used to.”

Dobson said he and the other coaches at the Cape Town-based outfit will learn a lot from the 55-year-old who masterminded the biggest upset in the history of the World Cup when Japan beat the Springboks in their tournament opener.

After that result, the Stormers wasted little time in announcing Jones' appointment.

“It was a PR masterpiece – Japan beat South Africa on a Saturday and unveil Eddie Jones on the Monday," quipped Dobson.

"It’s not often that the planets align like that for WP.

“From a morale point of view it was an excellent announcement. Eddie is technically sharp and you have to give respect to a guy who beat the Boks like that with that team.